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Tablets are versatile tools that can be used for everything at school, work or home. Whether you’re checking email, managing finances, testing your technical skills, or casually surfing YouTube and watching videos, a tablet can do it all. Finding the best tablet isn’t hard, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming, and that’s where CNET’s tests and reviews can help.
Let’s start with Apple, which has refreshed its entire iPad lineup in 2022. Along with faster processors in all recent models, Apple has introduced The 10th generation iPad, with an all-new design. However, the updated look and features come at a premium, so Apple still sells the ninth-generation iPad as its lowest-cost option.
Elsewhere in Best Tablet Land, Microsoft introduced a new Surface Pro 9 model in the fall of 2022. Meanwhile, Android tablets come in a wide range of sizes and prices from great value Amazon Fire tablets to Samsung’s top-of-the-line Galaxy Tab models. Strong competition for Apple’s iPad Pro.
In the value category, Amazon’s Fire tablets remain the top tablet choice for inexpensive, kid-friendly models. But if you’re looking for something good for productivity and entertainment, there’s an affordable Chromebook that blurs the line between laptop and tablet.
What is the best tablet?
The 2021 ninth-generation iPad is the best tablet we continue to recommend, even though newer iPad models are available. This is mainly for its features and reasonable price. If you are definitely going to use an iPad, we highly recommend it Check out the entire iPad lineup Because there may be a better option for your needs.
Not interested in an iPad? Here are our other top picks for the best tablets of 2023 right now. They all offer ways to get popular apps, but you’ll want to check the availability of must-have apps on the device before buying (don’t search for Fortnite on the iPad Through the App Store, for example). We’ve included budget tablet options and premium tablet options, as well as laptop replacement devices at varying prices, including Android tablet options and Apple iPad options. We’ve even introduced tablet and Chromebook options. All of these products (or earlier versions of them) have been fully reviewed or tested by CNET editors.
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The best tablets of 2023
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We’ve always appreciated the entry-level iPad for its reasonable price. Last year’s entry-level model is less expensive than the latest 10th-generation iPad, and it’s still very functional: the older A13 chip with the Lightning charger, and the Touch ID home button design looks a little dated but works well. This iPad’s screen size is perfect for everyday work and fun, there’s an auto-zoom front-facing camera on the Center Stage, and unlike the 10th-generation iPad, the first-generation Apple Pencil doesn’t need a dongle to work. It’s still compatible with a range of keyboard cases, too.
Apple iPad review (9th generation, 2021)
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The Apple iPad Pro 2022 update added a more powerful M2 chip, faster Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G connectivity, and a new Pencil 2 “hover” feature that activates the display when the stylus is in close range. Many apps don’t take advantage of scrolling, and the rest of this iPad’s design is the same as the previous model. The iPad Pro lineup remains the only models with faster 120Hz variable refresh rate displays, a spiral-mounted Mini LED HDR display on the 12.9-inch model, Face ID and depth-sensing LiDAR cameras, and a faster Thunderbolt 4 port. If you don’t mind that the front camera isn’t landscape-oriented but it’s like the 10th-gen iPads—and you’ve got the money to burn—this is the more advanced model, but it doesn’t get you any closer to being a Mac.
Review of the Apple iPad Pro 2022
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The Galaxy Tab S8 Plus is basically the Android equivalent of Apple’s iPad Pro. Samsung’s DeX interface gives it an edge for productivity if you’re looking for a more laptop-like feel than a tablet. It’s built around a gorgeous 12.4-inch 2,800 x 1,752-pixel Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. Samsung also includes one of the great S Pens, so you’re ready to start drawing and taking notes right away. The tablet can also double as a wireless display so you can expand the screen space of your Windows laptop on the go.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus review
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Apple updated the iPad Mini this year with the A15 processor, which is faster than the iPad Air’s A14. Now that the 10.2-inch model has gone (roughly) in terms of specs, it’s hard to swallow the fact that this smaller 8.3-inch model has a higher price tag — though it should be available at a discount during the holiday season. Some people like this model as a smaller, lighter option for a portable device that’s a good size as a high-end e-book reader.
Apple iPad Mini (2021) review
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Amazon
Amazon continues to produce the best cheap tablets for media consumption. The Fire HD 8 is the middle of the range, hitting the sweet spot for price and performance. The 2022 model features a thinner and lighter design, faster processor, and an hour longer battery life (13 hours vs. 12 hours) than its predecessor. It’s certainly a good low-cost option for streaming video, reading e-books, and browsing the web, but we still recommend waiting to pick it up at discount, which Amazon does regularly. We also recommend spending the extra $20 for the Plus version, which adds 1GB of RAM, wireless charging, and a 9W power adapter.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) review
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Amazon
The Amazon Fire HD 10-inch tablet is faster and better than the 7- or 8-inch Fire tablet, and it’s still pretty low at $150 (or less). For the Amazon Fire HD 10, there are two storage options, 32 and 64 GB. The Amazon Fire HD tablet also charges its battery via USB-C now. The Plus version of the tablet adds wireless charging, 4GB of RAM, and a soft-touch finish.
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) review
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While there are many imitators, the Surface Pro continues to offer the best detachable 2-in-1 PC experience. The 2022 release moves the Intel CPU from the eleventh generation to the newer twelfth generation and moves to a slightly faster type of RAM. There’s also a 5G version that switches from Intel to a Microsoft/Qualcomm ARM-based chip for faster mobile wireless with longer battery life. Unfortunately, unless you get a bundle, the keyboard and active pen remain separate purchases. Also, the Surface Pro 8 is still around and worth considering, especially because it’s at a better price.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 review
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The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is a great little 11-inch ChromeOS tablet with a detachable keyboard and touchpad. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for an affordable ultra-portable device to get some work done on the go, draw or take notes in class, or do simple things like email, web browsing, gaming, reading, and video streaming.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 review
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